Over 100 days of jail time and 15 charges secured against shoplifters in one weekend

Local officers in Ashford secured 15 charges and a combined 186 days of prison time for offenders over a single weekend. This proactive work reflects the ongoing commitment to tackling retail crime and strengthening partnerships with local businesses.

Jesse Barton

On Thursday 5 March 2026 at around 1.40pm, Jesse Barton entered a food shop on Brookfield Court, selected several cleaning products worth £56 and left without paying.

A few hours later, he went into the Tommy Hilfiger store at Ashford Designer Outlet. CCTV showed him taking multiple jumpers valued at around £1,600 before leaving immediately. Barton was already subject to a Criminal Behaviour Order banning him from the outlet. Additionally, that evening, he entered a store on Kimberley Way and stole four bottles of alcohol.

The incidents were reported to Kent Police, and officers were tasked with locating him. The following day, Barton was arrested by local officers on patrol and was charged with five offences the same evening.

He was remanded in custody and appeared at Folkestone Magistrates’ Court on 7 March, receiving a 16‑week immediate custodial sentence.

Robert Bishop

On 20 February, a local officer reviewing CCTV for outstanding shop thefts identified Robert Bishop, who was already wanted for multiple shoplifting offences and two pedal cycle thefts. Bishop was marked as a wanted person, and his arrest was tasked out to teams in Ashford.

On Saturday 7 March, officers on patrol spotted Bishop on Cade Road and arrested him. He was charged the same day with six counts of theft and remanded in custody.

Bishop appeared at Folkestone Magistrates’ Court on 9 March and received a 74‑day custodial sentence with immediate effect.

Florin Airnei

On Friday 6 March, Airnei repeatedly entered a shop on Brookfield Road in Ashford and attempted to steal a range of items. He hid a pizza under his jacket, tried to take a bag of lettuce, and picked up a bottle of alcohol before heading for the exit but was stopped each time by staff. By around 9pm, staff suspected he had carried out further thefts and contacted the police.

Officers attended the scene and Airnei was arrested and found in possession of Class A drugs. During his arrest he caused damage to a police vehicle and verbally abused officers.

He was charged with theft, possession of a Class A substance, attempted criminal damage, and a public order offence. He was remanded in custody and appeared at Folkestone Magistrates’ Court on 9 March.

He has been further remanded in custody for sentencing on 30 March 2026.

Inspector Sarah Williams said:

‘We will continue to act decisively against those who repeatedly cause harm in our communities, and we will always push for the strongest possible outcomes to keep our neighbourhoods safe. ‘The local knowledge of our officers has been crucial in securing these swift sentencings, and I want to recognise the proactive work that takes place behind the scenes to drive these cases forward through the courts.’